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Here are some suggestions that will help you get acquainted with the new member of your family. Be
sure to look your baby over rather carefully as soon as you have a chance. Don’t hesitate to check
him over from “head to toe.” If you find something that you think may be unusual, please ask us
about it.
There is not another baby in the whole world exactly like yours. He will not eat, sleep, or in general,
behave like any other baby, including your neighbor’s baby, your sister’s baby, or even your last baby
(if such is the case).
The majority of babies are sleepy on the first day and more awake on the second day. Usually they
awaken and are actively hungry on the third or fourth day. This is the normal pattern of activity.
Spitting up or gagging is very common during the first two or three days. You may be frightened if this
occurs while the baby is with you. They are getting rid of some excess mucus.
At first, new parents are often a little unsure of themselves. As long as your baby is well fed, loved,
warm and comfortable, he does not mind it a bit if you are less than an expert. These few simple infant
care instructions should help you to relax and enjoy your baby. The most valuable thing parents can
do for their children is to enjoy them. Trust yourself, follow your own instincts and don’t take too
seriously the advice of well meaning friends and relatives.
All babies sneeze, yawn, belch, spit, hiccup, pass gas and cry. They may occasionally look cross-
eyed. Sneezing is the only way in which a baby can clear his nose of mucus, lint or milk curds. Hiccups
are spasms of the diaphragm muscle and often can be stopped by giving a few swallows of warm
water or allowing the baby to suck on a pacifier. Crying is their way of saying, “I’m hungry, I’m wet, I’m
thirsty, I want to turn over, I’m too hot, I’m too cold, I have a stomachache, or I’m bored.” You will
gradually learn to know what your baby means when he fusses or cries. Most infants have a fussy
period that frequently occurs in the late afternoon or evening, but hopefully not at night. This is not
colic, but a normal phenomenon for which there is no explanation.
BABY’S HOME
Every new baby must adapt himself to his new surroundings, just as you and I would have to do. For
this reason the first 24 to 48 hours at home should never be expected to be “smooth sailing.” Both
you and the baby will fare better if you will allow ample time to adjust to the new circumstances and to
one another. You may take the baby outside, if the weather is nice. Don’t have too many visitors!
Excessive fatigue can rob you of much of the joy of caring for your new baby so try to take a little nap
when your baby goes down to sleep after feedings.
Room Temperature
Try to keep an even, comfortable temperature in the baby’s room (about 70). On hot days, provide
ventilation. On cold days, check on your baby occasionally to see that they are covered enough to
be warm and comfortable. Windows may be opened as long as the room temperature does not fall
below 65 to 68.
Bassinet or Crib
Your baby’s mattress should be firm and flat and have a waterproof cover. No pillow should be used.
Cover the mattress with a quilted pad and a soft baby sheet (fitted, not loose). Use one or two cotton
blankets. Never leave or use any plastic bags in a crib or bassinet.
Clothing
Your baby does not require any more clothing than an adult. Dress him according to the room
temperature. Some babies are allergic to certain materials, so watch for rashes in clothing contact
areas.
Outdoors
In Southern California, a fairly good rule to follow is that babies may be taken out after 2 weeks of
age. For the first month or so try to avoid crowded places where your new baby could catch an
illness. Sunshine is beneficial, but exposing the baby directly to the sun’s rays is not advisable. Also,
be careful of reflected sunlight (i.e., poolside or at the beach). Babies can develop severe sunburn in
a very short time.
GENERAL CARE
Positioning for Sleep
Because studies have shown that there is a greater risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in
infants sleeping on their abdomens, always place your baby on his back.
Bathing
Sponge bathe your baby until the umbilical cord falls off. Always support your baby in the bath. Never
leave a baby alone in his bath. Use plain water without soap.
Eyes
A newborn’s eyes often seem to be crossed. This is perfectly normal. The nerve connections
between the brain and eye muscles are not completely mature at birth. Gradually, both vision and
control develop and a baby’s eyes soon “stay put.” To clean your baby’s eyelids, use a cotton ball
dipped in cool water and gently swab the lids until they are clean.
Ears, Nose, and Mouth
Clean the external ear and nose with a moist cotton ball. Do not attempt to clean the inside of either
the nose or ears. Do not insert a cotton applicator (Q Tip) in the ear canal or nose. Remember,
“nothing smaller than an elbow goes in the ear.” The baby’s mouth may be wiped out with a warm
washcloth twice a day.
Scalp
Your baby’s scalp should be lathered gently with a mild baby shampoo. Work from front to back to
keep soap out of his eyes. If you notice greasy scales (cradle cap), cover the area with Vaseline or
baby oil and after 10 minutes shampoo and scrub the scales with an old toothbrush or washcloth. Do
not be afraid of the soft spot. It is very durable and not easily damaged.
Nails
Carefully use baby nail scissors or emery board (especially for wiggly babies) for trimming. Try doing
it when your baby is asleep. NEVER use nail clippers.
Skin
Most babies develop a bumpy red rash on the face, head or neck sometime during the first few weeks
of life. This is transient, usually disappearing in 3 or 4 weeks. This rash (sometimes called baby
“acne”) requires no treatment. Infant skin is often dry and may peel for the first few weeks. You may
wish to use a baby lotion (Baby Magic) or moisturizing cream (Eucerin). Your baby will love the
massage.
Rashes
Rashes occur commonly in new babies. In most cases, these rashes are transient and have no major
medical significance. The most common types are:
1. Diaper rash - this is usually caused by a combination of moisture, heat and irritation caused
by stool and urine. It can be prevented by frequent cleansing and diaper changes. Often,
leaving the area open to air for as long as is practical will help to clear it up. (This is easier in
girls.) You can use Vaseline, Desitin, A & D ointment or Aquaphor cream.
2. Milia - white beads on the nose and chin. These are tiny blocked pores that will open up by
themselves in a few weeks. No treatment is necessary.
3. Heat rash - red or pink pimples on areas of perspiration. Keep the room temperature
comfortable and use lightweight clothing.
4. “Stork bite” (nevus flammeus) - these are flat red areas usually found on the eyelids, forehead,
back of the head and nape of the neck. They have no medical significance usually fade with time.
Umbilical Cord (Belly-button or navel)
Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. Using a cotton ball saturate the umbilical cord with rubbing
alcohol after each diaper change. When the cord falls off after about 10 days, there may be a slight
oozing of blood for a few days but this is no cause to worry. If you should notice any foul smelling
discharge, redness or swelling of the umbilical cord you should call our office.
Genitalia
If your infant boy is not circumcised, it is not necessary or desirable to retract the foreskin. No special
cleansing of the genitalia is indicated for girl babies except the wiping out of stool and secretions that
may accumulate between the large and small labia. Wipe from front to back.
Circumcision
If your baby boy is circumcised, the end of the penis may appear to be quite raw for a few days. Apply
Vaseline to the end of the penis at each diaper change. This will prevent the raw surface from
adhering to the diaper and permit rapid healing to take place. Watch for unusual swelling, redness or
bleeding. Call the office if you have any questions about the appearance of the circumcised penis.
FEEDING
At feeding time, both of you should be comfortable. Choose a chair that is comfortable for you. This
will help you to be calm and relaxed during the feeding. Be sure that your baby is warm and dry
before you start the feeding.
Hold the baby in your lap with his head slightly raised, resting in the bend of your elbow. You may also
nurse your baby lying down.
Whether breast or bottle feeding, hold the baby comfortably close. Your love and acceptance of the
baby are more important than the type of milk that he is getting.
Breast Feeding
Successful breast-feeding depends on a mother with a desire to breast feed, a father who is in
agreement with the mother, and a baby with an efficient suck. Parents often have questions in the first
few weeks of breast-feeding. Here are some of the most frequent ones.
1. How will I know if I have enough milk for my baby?
Breast milk production is based on supply and demand. The more effectively the baby is able to take
milk from you breast, the more milk you will produce. If the baby is unable to remove milk from your
breast, the less milk will be produced. Nursing frequently, every 2-3 hours, will generally be sufficient
to stimulate a good volume of milk. When your baby is having 6 to 8 wet diapers per 24-hours and
passing frequent stools you can be assured that your baby is getting enough milk.
2. How frequently should I feed the baby and how long on each side?
Breast-fed babies feed more frequently than formula-fed babies because breast milk is digested more
rapidly and milk is emptied from the stomach more quickly. To encourage adequate milk production it
is generally a good idea to nurse your baby every 2-3 hours. He may have an occasional 4-6 hour
stretch in which he is not anxious to nurse. Normally, we would not recommend that you wake the
baby at night to feed him. When he wakes up hungry at night he will let you know. The amount of
time your baby will spend at each breast will vary from feeding to feeding. However, fifteen minutes at
each breast is generally more than sufficient.
3. What do I do for sore nipples?
The primary cause of sore nipples is improper latch-on or positioning at the breast, not the length of
nursing. When your baby latches on, make sure that his mouth opens wide and his lips attach beyond
the nipple. This will help prevent nipple soreness. If your nipples do get sore:
• Correct the positioning of the baby.
• Air-dry your nipples after every feeding.
• Express breast milk onto end of the nipple and rub in between feedings.
• When nursing, start with the less sore side first.
• Vary nursing positions.
4. What do I do for engorgement?
Excess milk is often present when a mother’s milk first comes in. This results in hard, firm and tender
breasts. Applying warm moist compresses to the breasts prior to feeding and then hand expressing or
pumping some of the milk from the breast prior to nursing will minimize your discomfort also help the
baby to latch on more effectively. Nursing frequently helps regulate the milk supply and decrease
problems of engorgement.
5. What can I eat while breast-feeding? Do I need to avoid certain foods?
Major dietary restrictions are rarely necessary. However, it is generally a good idea to avoid very
spicy foods, coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Use moderation in your eating habits. Eat a
well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids (drink to thirst). It is generally agreed that mothers should
take a good multivitamin during the time that she is nursing.
6. How do I store breast milk?
Breast milk can be expressed and frozen for later use. Use the disposable plastic bags that come in a
roll (Playtex, etc.). Date each bag. You can store frozen milk for several weeks or months. To defrost
milk, place the container under tepid running water and shake until thawed. No microwaving, please!
Thawed breast milk is good for only four hours. Expressed milk that is not frozen is good in the
refrigerator for twenty-four hours.
7. What about medications and breast-feeding?
If you need to take medicines, check with your doctor or with one of us first, before continuing to
breast feed.
Formula Feeding
For a formula fed infant, we suggest any of the well-known commercial formulas. These may by
purchased as a concentrate or in a ready-to-use form. If you use the concentrated formula be sure to
add one ounce of water to every one ounce of concentrated formula that you use. The standard can
contains 13 oz. of concentrate and mixes to 26 oz. of formula or comes in convenient quart cans
which may be poured directly into clean bottles. Formula may be kept refrigerated up to 48 hours.
Some formula comes in powder form. This is particularly convenient for traveling. Most parents
prefer to use bottled water diluting concentrated formula or reconstituting powdered formula.
Using a soy based formula, is recommended if there is a family history of milk allergy.
Test Nipples Regularly
Testing nipples regularly will save time when you are ready to feed your baby. Nipple holes should be
the right size and help the baby suck easily. When the nipple holes are the right size, warm milk
should drip at a moderate rate without forming a stream.
If the nipple holes are too small, babies may tire sucking before they get all the formula they need and
may suck air around the nipple. If the holes are too large, babies may gulp the formula, swallow air
and form gas. If the formula flows too fast, babies may not get enough sucking to satisfy them and
they may vomit.
To enlarge holes that are too small, push a red-hot needle gently through from the outside. An easy
way to prepare the needle is to put the blunt end in a cork and-heat the sharp end in a flame before
pushing through the nipple hole. If the nipple holes are too large, the nipples should be discarded.
Techniques for Bottle Feeding
Sit comfortably, holding the baby close, and tilt the bottle so that the neck of the bottle and the nipple
are always filled with formula. This helps your baby get formula instead of swallowing air. Air in the
stomach may cause excessive spitting, vomiting or abdominal discomfort.
Your baby has a strong natural desire to suck. For them, sucking is part of the pleasure of feeding
time. Babies may keep sucking on nipples even after they have emptied their bottle. Using a pacifier
after feeding for short periods of time will help satisfy this urge to suck.
NEVER prop the bottle and leave the baby to feed alone. He could choke on the formula and not be
able to free his mouth of the nipple, thus increasing the chance of aspirating the formula into his
lungs. Remember too, your baby needs the security and pleasure derived from being fed and held.
Feeding time is a time for both of you to relax and enjoy being together.
Schedule with Flexibility
Feeding schedules are usually most satisfactory if they are somewhat flexible and the baby is allowed
to eat when he is hungry. Breast fed babies usually want to be fed every 2-3 hours. Formula fed
babies usually need to be fed every 3 or 4 hours. Occasionally, a baby will go 5-6 hours between
feedings (hopefully at night). In order to get his day/night rhythm established, it is recommended that
you not allow your baby to sleep through a daytime feeding. At night, let the baby sleep as long as he
will.
How Much Formula?
The amount of formula your baby takes will vary considerably between feedings. When a baby has
taken enough formula he can be taken from the nipple and will seem satisfied. In general, it shouldn’t
take more than about 20-30 minutes to feed your baby. Most babies feed for 15 to 20 minutes. Never
try to finish a bottle if your baby is not interested in doing so. The average daily amount taken by a
baby varies considerably but in general this will be about 20-32 ounces per day for the first several
months of life.
After Feeding
After you have fed and burped your baby, place him in his crib on his side or back. After bottle-
feeding, wash the bottles and nipples in warm soapy water, rinse in clean warm water and allow to air
dry. Be sure to squeeze water through holes in the nipples to remove any milk that might adhere to
the nipple. Using a dishwasher to wash the bottles is very acceptable.
Water
Babies do not ordinarily require extra water except during very warm weather or if instructed by the
doctor. Remember, breast milk and formula are largely water.
Burping
Burping your baby helps remove swallowed air. Burp him by holding him upright over your shoulder or
placing him face down over your lap. Gently pat his back repeatedly until he is allowed to burp.
Babies can also be burped by holding them in a sitting position, leaning them slightly forward on your
lap with your hands supporting their chest and head. Don’t be alarmed if your baby spits up a small
amount of formula while burping.
Breast feeding mothers usually burp their baby before switching him from one breast to the other as
well as at the end of the nursing period.
Mothers who use formula usually burp their baby after he takes an once or two of formula and at the
end of the feeding period. Sometimes your baby will not burp at all because he doesn’t need to. If he
doesn’t burp after five minutes or so, further burping is unnecessary.
Solid Foods
Both breast milk and formula are completely sufficient for your baby’s nutritional needs for the first
several months of life. As a rule, additional foods such a pureed fruits, vegetables and infant cereal
aren’t introduced until about 4-6 months of age. Your doctor will discuss the introduction of additional
foods at the appropriate well baby visit.
Vitamins
Your doctor will prescribe multi-vitamins and fluoride at the appropriate time if he considers it
necessary to do so.
MINOR PROBLEMS
Spitting Up
Most babies will spit up with some feedings. This is nothing to worry about unless large amounts are
vomited consistently and forcefully or unless the emesis is yellow or green tinged. Most “spitters” do
so until they can stand (around 9-12 months of age).
Hiccups
All new babies hiccup, especially after feedings. The noise may worry you but it doesn’t bother the
baby. Hiccups are caused by a spasm of the breathing muscle, or diaphragm. They gradually
diminish as the baby’s nervous system becomes more mature.
Crying
All babies cry to communicate, although the amount varies greatly. You will soon come to know what
your baby’s different cries mean. He may be hungry, wet, tired, or ill. All normal babies have some
crying periods and most of them have one or more “fussy” periods each day. If your baby cries
excessively or is difficult to console, please call us.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a common condition in newborn infants. The word “jaundice” comes from a French word
meaning “yellow.” It describes the yellowish appearance of the whites of the eyes and the skin of
many newborn babies.
Physiologic or “normal” jaundice usually appears on the second or third day of life in healthy babies
born after a full-term pregnancy. It often disappears within a week. As many as two-thirds of full-term
babies will get physiologic jaundice.
Premature babies are even more likely to become jaundiced. It may appear later and last longer in
these infants, becoming most noticeable between the fourth and seventh days of life.
Physiologic (normal) jaundice usually disappears without treatment. Frequent feedings also helps if
your baby is more than just a little jaundiced.
If your baby looks jaundiced please call us. We have a device for checking the jaundice level without
a needle puncture.
STOOLS AND HYGIENE
Bowel Movements
There are considerable variations in the size, color, consistency and frequency of stools in the
newborn baby. Stools may be yellowish, brown, or greenish and may be quite firm or of a loose, pasty
consistency.
Almost all babies will stop nursing, grunt and get red in the face when they are passing a stool. This
occurs regardless of the consistency of the stool.
Attention has been focused unnecessarily on daily bowel movements as a requisite of good health.
Constipation is defined as hard stools that are passed with considerable difficulty and discomfort to
the baby. Some babies have rather firm stools, but have no difficulty in passing them. If the bowel
movements are hard and painful to pass your baby may be constipated. This is usually managed with
a modification of the baby’s diet or medication to make the stools softer. Suppositories, enemas, and
laxatives should not be used without consulting the office.
If you are breast-feeding your baby, the stools will be liquid, yellow or mustard-colored. During the
first few weeks he may have a bowel movement every time he nurses. These runny stools associated
with breast-feeding should not be confused with diarrhea. At two or three months of age some breast-
fed babies experience a change in their stool pattern. They may have but one bowel movement every
5 or 6 days. The stool will always be soft and mushy. This is normal for him. As long as your baby is
happy and is gaining weight, there is no need to worry about the change in his bowel movements.
If your baby is being formula fed, the type of stool may vary considerably with the formula being used.
In general, stools made from cow’s milk tend to be less frequent than in breast fed babies. The
consistency is pastier and the stools are usually lighter in color. Sometimes, especially during the
newborn period, stools with some types of formulas may be quite runny liquid and irritating to the skin
in the diaper area. This may necessitate a change in the formula.
Don’t hesitate to consult our office if you are concerned about your baby’s bowel movements. Most of
the problems that you will encounter can be managed over the phone.
Hand Washing
It is very important to carefully wash your hands before handling or feeding your baby. Good hand
washing will help reduce respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin infections.
ILLNESS
As your baby grows older he will eventually develop fevers, colds, and other conditions, which are self-
limiting and not serious. Most of the illnesses that young children get are “viral” infections and there
are hundreds of viruses that can cause disease. In the majority of cases your baby will recover from
these illnesses with symptomatic treatment alone (fluids, rest, fever-reducing medication such as
“Tylenol”).
PLEASE NOTE: ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT CURE FEVER, COLDS, DIARRHEA, FLU, OR ANY OTHER
VIRAL ILLNESS.
Antibiotics will not be prescribed over the phone without first seeing your child.
Fever
Fever is one of the most common reasons for a patient to consult a physician. Below are listed a few
thoughts on fever:
1. What is a fever? There is not one normal temperature. In general, we accept 97 degrees F to
100.4 degrees F as the normal range. The actual temperature will vary according to the time of day
and the site and method of measurement. The rectal temperature is normally about 1degree F above
the oral temperature. An oral temperature of 99.6 degrees F and rectal of 100.4 degrees F may be
perfectly normal.
2. How should fever be treated? Fever is only a symptom and in itself not usually harmful. In fact,
fever is an important defense mechanism the body uses to fight disease, especially infections. Even a
temperature of 104degrees F to 105 degrees F is no threat except in the occasional child who
develops seizures with a fever. We should pay careful attention to the overall condition of the child
and treat the condition causing the fever if possible. Remember, antibiotics do not cure fever! Do not
give aspirin for fever! We usually use one of the common anti-fever medications such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever of 101 degrees F or above. Do not give medications for fever to
an infant less than 2 months of age without consulting a physician. If the fever is over 104 degrees F
then a tepid water bath for 30-40 minutes may help bring the temperature down.
Warning Signs For newborns (1-30 days of life) and when to call the doctor:
1. Temperature less than 97 degrees F or greater than 100.4 degrees.
2. Change in behavior, not responding to feeding (breast feeding/bottle feeding), excessively
fussy and unable to console.
3. Poor sucking and/or refusal to feed.
4. Persistent vomiting and/or green or yellow colored emesis and frequent watery bowel
movements.
5. Change in the baby’s color: yellow (jaundice), blue, or pale.
Common Signs of Illness In Children, which should be reported:
1. Under 3 months of age and temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher.
2. 3-6 months of age and temperature over 101 degrees F for more than 48 hours, without any
other symptoms.
3. Vomiting repeatedly (not just spitting up) or refusal to nurse or take a bottle for 2
consecutive feedings.
4. Listlessness, decreased activity, extreme irritability, or prolonged crying.
SUGGESTED MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLIES
TO HAVE ON HAND
Baby’s First Aid Kit
1. Acetaminophen drops or suspension (Tylenol, Tempra) for fever or pain.
Acetaminophen Weight Dose, and frequency, as needed
Infant Drops (80mg/0.8ml)
6-11 lbs. 0.4 ml every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
12-17 lbs. 0.8 ml every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
18-23 lbs. 1.2 ml every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
24+ lbs. follow directions on box 1.6 ml every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
Suspension Liquid (160mg/5ml) or Original Elixir
6-11 lbs. ¼ teaspoon every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
12-17 lbs. ½ teaspoon every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
18-23 lbs. ¾ teaspoon every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
24+ lbs. follow directions on box 1 teaspoon every 4 to 6 hours, as needed
2. Topical antibiotic ointment - Neosporin, Bacitracin.
3. Diaper ointment for protective coating of diaper the diaper area - Vaseline,
Desitin, A & D ointment or Aquaphor cream
4. Pedialyte electrolyte solution – one quart. This may be advised if infant has vomiting
or diarrhea (For use, always check with your doctor)
5. 2 oz. bulb syringe to remove nasal secretions. Saline nose drops (“Ocean Spray”, “Ayr”,
and “Salinex”)
6. Cool mist humidifier
7. Axillary and rectal thermometer (Our experience has been that ear thermometers and
digital thermometers can be less reliable in children under 2 years old.)
SAFETY SUGGESTIONS
Don’t bathe the baby close to a stove or heater where they might receive a burn.
Don’t put hot water into the tub while the baby is in it.
Never leave the baby alone in the tub, on the changing table, or any place where they might roll over
and fall (like your bed!).
Never leave plastic bags or wrapping where your baby can reach them.
Install smoke detectors in proper places throughout your home.
Don’t attach pacifiers, medallions, or other objects to the crib or body with a cord.
Turn the thermostat on the water heater below 120º. If the hot water faucet should be turned on
accidentally the water will not scald the baby.
Remember to use an approved car seat at ALL times, starting with your infant’s first car trip from the
hospital to home. It’s not only a matter of safety - it’s the LAW!
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Can I really take care of the baby properly?
For thousands of years people have been taking care of babies. But it’s different now—much
different. Childbirth is safer. Babies are healthier. Parenting is easier--that is, many of the mechanical
things are easier. On the other hand, babies still cry, take time to feed, and require changing. Sure,
there’s a lot to know and lots to do, but with love, common sense, and a few up-to-date guidelines,
you are off to a great start.
How will I know everything is all right?
Perhaps having a new baby is something like getting a new car. It’s been a long wait. Now everyone
wants to look, listen, touch, lift, open, turn and look again to be sure that the parts are all there and
working properly. More than likely everything is in order.
Did you know there are some 10,000,000,000-brain cells? Did you stop to think about the amazing
heating, cooling, plumbing, pumping, and even reproductive systems? Someone counted up 525
muscles and estimated there are billions of specialized cells in a single baby. That’s more parts than
in a car or in just about anything you could buy. The amazing thing is that everything works so well
most of the time. But, look things over and ask about anything you happen to wonder about. That
beats worrying about something that may mean nothing.
What is a new baby supposed to look like?
A newly born baby may not be very attractive at first, with its coating of protective white, greasy vernix.
But good news ... the looks quickly improve with age ... even a few minutes makes a difference, and
soon the newborn really looks like the baby everyone has been waiting for.
Isn’t the head a funny shape?
Maybe. It often is. To begin with, a baby’s head is large in proportion to the rest of the body and
seems to sit on the shoulders without much of a neck. If a baby’s head were solid, birth would be very
difficult. So actually, the head is made up of several bones which can do some giving and taking
during birth. They don’t join together until later. Thus, the head is shaped longer, rounder, or flatter
depending on the baby’s position during birth. At first, the forehead is often quite flat and sloped
toward the back. Ridges and bumps can be felt where the bones overlap a little. Quite a bit of natural
reshaping occurs in the first few days. Don’t worry. The baby will look better in a day or so!
What are the soft spots?
There are two spots (fontanels), which are places on the head where the bones have not yet come
together. The posterior one is quite small and disappears rather soon, but the diamond-shaped
fontanel on top of the head takes one to one-and- half years to close. Go ahead, touch it ... and don’t
be afraid to wash the area vigorously at bath time ... you won’t hurt anything.
How much does a baby see?
A baby can distinguish light from dark and can see close objects, but it will be some time before much
focusing and consistent eye alignment occurs.
Will my baby really lose weight the first few days?
Yes, but the birth weight most always is regained within the first two weeks.
Will the pink marks on the eyelids go away?
These light-pink blotches will eventually disappear, but it may take some time. There’s no worry or
hurry.
Should matted eyes be washed?
Yes, with plain water. If eye discharge persists, call our office.
Does a baby’s name make much difference?
Maybe not now, but it might make a lot of difference later. A little time choosing a name might avoid
some teasing about a particular combination of initials for names. Is a name a “plus” or a “minus”? Will
it be strange and difficult for future playmates to say? Think about nicknames. What about the
spelling? Is there something about a name that may cause a youngster (or grownup) embarrassment
or difficulty and confusion? A name lasts a long time. It’s worth thinking about.
Is jealousy of a new baby inevitable?
If you had been in the center-stage spotlight and were suddenly displaced, would you like it? Neither
does a three year old or a child of any age, who suddenly feels unimportant. Sometimes even a father
feels a little jealous about all the attention the baby is getting ... perhaps rightly so. Remember that
others in the family need to continue getting attention, affection, and love after the baby comes. Just
suppose you are three-year-old Steven: For all of Steven’s life there has been just the right number
of people at home-mom, dad ... and Steven. Then the word gets out a competitor is on the way to
share his house, his room, his yard, his toys ... and even his mom and dad. To make matters worse,
the intruder comes after a poorly explained absence of Mother. For all Steven knows, mother may
disappear again and may return with a mountain goat, giraffe, alligator, monster, or another baby! Of
course Steven is going to resent competition. But by making him feel important, and part of the new
event ... letting him anticipate the arrival of “his” new baby ... and with some new privileges ... and with
a promotion from “private” to “corporal”... and maybe by receiving the first words of greeting when
grandma comes to visit...along with some special solo time and attention from dad and mom...maybe
Steven might even like the new baby...some of the time.
Must a baby have a bowel movement everyday?
No. Quite normally babies may have several stools each day and then suddenly go two, three, or
even four days without a bowel movement. More worry is wasted about bowel movements than any
other part of baby care. Don’t. It’s expected for a baby to push, strain, draw their legs up, cry, and get
red when they have a bowel movement. Avoid laxatives. Unless the stools are rock-hard, the baby is
not constipated.
When does the “cord” come off?
The umbilical cord, no longer being necessary, begins drying up right after being cut at birth. The
remaining part will drop off in 10-14 days.
How do you care for the cord and navel?
Clean around the cord several times a day with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. When the cord
comes off, do this vigorously in the navel. A little moist secretion and a few drops of blood may be
present. However, more drainage (especially with a bad smell) or redness around the cord base is
cause for concern.
How about a bellyband?
Bellybands, tape and bindings are not advisable or helpful even if there is some pouching out of the
navel.
What about care after a circumcision?
Keep the area clean. A little petroleum jelly may be desirable to reduce irritation for the first two or five
days. That’s about it.
Is mottled skin a worry?
No. Babies’ skin may from time to time appear mottled. This pink-and-white pattern may come and go
without worry.
Should fingernails be cut?
Are the fingernails long? Is the baby scratching himself, or you? If so, file the nails, DO NOT USE
NAIL CLIPPERS.
What about colic?
A daily fussy period is expected, often in the evening. First, be sure the baby isn’t being overfed.
Then if getting rid of swallowed air and other simple comforting measures don’t solve the problem,
your doctor will give you some suggestions to help settle the baby down. Don’t forget that soothing
music often helps to calm babies and everyone else.
How do I know when the baby is hungry?
If it’s been a while since the last feeding and the baby starts yelling, it’s a pretty good assumption that
the baby wants to eat. In other words, a demand schedule makes more sense than feeding a baby on
a strict clock schedule. But, remember, babies cry for reasons other than hunger!!! Babies usually
do not need to be fed every 1-2 hours.
Can a baby really get too much milk?
The mark of success at one time was to see how big and fat a baby could be. It isn’t. It’s easy to
mistake hunger for fussiness or crying from a tummy too full of milk or swallowed air. Yes, a baby
really can get too much milk... that can result in irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually a fat
baby. Be sure swallowed air is burped-up during, after, and in-between feedings.
Does it hurt a baby to cry?
It depends on what’s going on. Some mothers won’t let their babies cry for a single minute. They drop
everything and run at the first whimper, which doesn’t make sense. On the other hand, crying may
mean, “Hey mom, I’m wet”, or “How about changing this messy diaper,” or “I’ve been swallowing some
air and have a
tummy-ache. Sit me up in your arms and burp me!” An over-filled or empty stomach may also cause
crying, or maybe the baby is just tired and needs to cry himself to sleep. All babies are going to do
some crying.
Do the ears work yet?
Yes. You will notice that the baby responds to loud voices and noises. By the way, quiet music is
soothing to a baby.
Is hiccupping a bad sign?
No, most healthy new babies have periodic episodes of hiccupping, which cause no difficulty at all.
Why do the baby’s breasts look large?
A hormone causes breast enlargement in a baby girl or boy from the mother. There is no cause for
concern even when a little milk-like discharge is produced. The swelling goes down soon.
Tell me about a little girl’s genitalia
It is important to separate the labial folds when washing a baby girl. Otherwise, the two sides may stick
together forming “adhesions” that will have to be separated. (These adhesions have nothing to do
with the hymen.) Incidentally, a little vaginal secretion and even bleeding sometimes occurs at a week
or so of age, which is no cause for concern. This is another quickly passing effect of mother’s
hormones.
Why didn’t my baby want to eat at feeding time?
If you were awakened at 3:00 a.m., would you be excited about eating a hamburger with onions? NOT
LIKELY. By the same token, it is seldom necessary to get a baby up to eat. If a baby wakes up
hungry, that’s a different question!
Remember
When the nurse brings your baby to you all cuddled up in their blanket, he may look pretty helpless,
but he really isn’t. He is a regular little dynamo, full of possibilities and already going full speed toward
his future. He is growing and changing every hour.
Every baby changes and grows in the same orderly manner. Just now, your baby is in the very early
stages of his development. He can see and follow a moving light with his eyes soon after birth. His
senses of touch, taste, and smell are in fairly good working order, and he can hear noises quite well.
He will startle at a loud noise and stop his crying at the sound of your soothing voice. He will learn to
know you through his senses right from the start.
Your baby’s is fully formed, but the pathways to the outer world are not yet developed. His only way of
getting attention is his loud cry, which he can turn on automatically whenever he feels hungry, wet,
cold, frightened or perhaps when his arms or legs are restrained forcibly in an uncomfortable position.
In this early stage of development, your baby doesn’t cry because he is “bad” or “spoiled”. A baby
cries because he needs something. Your job (and ours) is to find out what that something is, if we
possibly can.
What does your baby need right now? A comfortable crib, freedom to stretch and move, proper food,
and the feeling of comfort that you give him. It is very comforting to him when he can cuddle up safe
in your arms and go to sleep after feeding.
In general, a baby’s development may be thought of as beginning at the head and progressing toward
the feet. A baby learns to smile before he learns to reach out; he learns to reach out before he
learns to sit and stand. Gradually, he will be able to smile, to hold his rattle, to sit up, to crawl, to
stand, to step out and to walk.
ENJOY YOUR BABY!